Experts judge that the virus is now spreading to the wider population along a well-studied model.

UNAids representative in Moscow Dr Pedro Chequer says the authorities need to take urgent steps to raise public awareness about what he calls the "new profile" of the HIV epidemic.

"There is an understanding in Russia that HIV/Aids is just for commercial sex workers and drug addicts," Dr Chequer explains.

"Many other people don't feel they're at risk, even if they have multiple partners and don't use a condom."

Treatment gap

Roman tested positive for HIV in 1995 and is now taking medication. In Moscow the local authorities foot his bill but full "combination therapy" - the cocktail of drugs needed to contain HIV effectively - costs around $8000 a year and many poorer cities cannot afford to pay.

I do think the situation in Russia will change - but before that, we will lose a lot of people's lives

Roman, HIV-positive Russian

According to Russian law anyone who is HIV-positive is entitled to free treatment at their local Aids Centre.

But there is still a large gap between policy and implementation.

"What can I say? It's Russian reality," Roman says. "There are a lot of laws here that don't work."

Experts suggest that at the current phase of the epidemic, around 10% of people with HIV require medication.

Lack of funds means Russian Aids centres are currently treating a fraction of that amount.

Drug costs

Roman fears Russia is heading for disaster. "Most of our HIV positive people were infected a few years ago and they don't need treatment right now," he says.

"That's why the Ministry of Health doesn't talk about it. But they just don't think that in five years - or maybe even three - we will have a huge problem. If they don't think - millions of people could die"

But despite such gloomy prognoses, there is little hint that the government is in any hurry to help cut costs.

"Russia is paying for the most expensive drugs in the world. It is impossible to maintain," says Dr Chequer.

"There is a need for price negotiation with western drugs companies, and local production of generic drugs. Russia needs to make that political decision."

As HIV begins to spread from drug users to the wider population, there are signs that Russia is belatedly waking up to its epidemic.

Experts' warning

Russia now has a National Advisory Council on Aids. President Putin referred to the issue for the first time in his annual state-of-the-nation address this spring.

But for policy makers the issue is still far from a priority and despite a healthy budget deficit this year federal funding for HIV/Aids projects remains a tiny fraction of what is needed.

With experts warning that up to five million people could be carrying the HIV virus in five years, many say Russia can not afford to stall much longer.

"I do think the situation in Russia will change," Roman says. "We will get money, we will get treatment. But I think it will take a long time. And before that, we will lose a lot of people's lives."

The following comments reflect the balance of views we received:

It is a tragedy that the same pattern is being repeated over and over again. Russia should look at places like South Africa and learn from their mistakes. A comprehensive campaign of information at this stage could save thousands of lives. Sadly, this does not seem to be happening. Matt, UK

Living in Moscow myself, I see no positive efforts are being made in terms of public awareness

Vadim Smith, Moscow

Russia should definitely wake up to the situation. Lessons should be learnt from some African countries where high percentages of the population are now HIV positive. Living in Moscow myself, I see no positive efforts are being made in terms of public awareness. Should the situation remain the same and the government does not take an active role in fighting the situation, Russia will indeed face an epidemic of unprecedented proportions. Vadim Smith, Moscow, Russia

In an age where we have euthanasia, the nuclear arms race, people calling for the reduction of the world's population, enforced abortions in China, and increasing levels of depicted and personal violence: without anyone making sense of it all, it is not hard to see why rhetoric and empty 'policy' are the main actions on the Aids front. Philip, Wellington, NZ

Russia is one of the most scientifically advanced countries in the world; I don't see why Russia cannot produce its own generic drugs, eliminating the need to spend a ridiculous amount of funds on western drug companies. Fernando S Gouveia, USA